27 Best Things to Do in Holbox Mexico in 2025

Looking for the best things to do in Holbox Island Mexico? You’ve come to the right guide!

Despite its small size, there are so many fun activities in Holbox whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure.

In this article, I’ll share my top recommendations for the best things to do in Holbox, from traveling around different islands to relaxing on the beach and trying local delicacies.

Some people think Holbox is nothing more than a little island for relaxing and Instagram photos, but it’s so much more!

Ready to learn what to do in Holbox Mexico? Let’s get started!

1. Relax at the Beach

The best thing to do when traveling to Holbox is to simply relax at the beach as the island has some of the best beaches in Mexico. 

Holbox has a large stretch of white sand beach near the main square. Playa Holbox is accessible on foot from almost anywhere and it’s the place to be on the island. 

With their crystal-clear shallow waters, the beaches in Holbox are pretty dreamy!

The water stays below the knees for a long way out, so it isn’t a great place for intense swimming, but it’s perfect for wading, cooling off, and relaxing.

The main beach also has some of the best restaurants, beach bars, and activity booths. Depending on the weather, you can also try kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

If you’re staying at one of the hotels in Holbox on the beach, you’ll likely have lounge beds and food and beverage service available on the beach.  

If not, you can typically purchase a day pass to use the lounge beds at one of the hotels with a minimum consumption charge.  Or you can simply bring your own towel or beach blanket to enjoy the beach on your own. 

2. Go on a Bioluminescence Tour

People travel from all over Mexico and nearby countries for a bioluminescence tour on Holbox.

Bioluminescence comes from an organism known as phytoplankton, giving off a bright, glowing light in the waters and shore.

Holbox has a large amount of phytoplankton, meaning the water practically glows after the sun sets.

The best way to experience this wonder is with a nighttime snorkel tour, where you can swim in the waters and immerse yourself in the bright glow of the plankton.

I personally went on this small-group Holbox bioluminescence boat tour and can highly recommend it! The tour includes transportation, snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and water shoes.

Even if you’re afraid of getting out in the water at night, the tour ensures you’re 100% prepared and accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide from start to finish. 

It’s such a fun experience and one of the most unique things to do in Holbox!

3. Go Swimming with Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are slow-moving carpet sharks. Despite their name, they are gentle giants. They are filter-feeders, which means they won’t harm you.

Whale sharks are usually between 18 and 32 feet long. And you can swim with these magnificent creatures right off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula, not too far from Holbox Island.

Whale shark season in Mexico is only between May and September, and peak season is from July to August.

Most people travel to Cancun or Isla Mujeres for whale shark tours, but you can also join a whale shark tour directly from Holbox. Holbox is sometimes the closest point of departure, depending on where the whale sharks are located.

The boat tour provides all necessary equipment, transportation, and an expert guide throughout the journey.

I personally went on the whale sharks tour in Isla Mujeres, and it was one of the most memorable and exhilarating experiences I’ve had in Mexico!

4. Go on the 3 Islands Tour

The Three Islands Tour is another one of the top things to do in Holbox. It’s a great way to leave the small island and explore even smaller islands.

As the name suggests, the 3 Islands Tour visits three islands: Yalahau Lagoon, Isla de la Pasion (Passion Island), and Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island).

Yalahau Lagoon, sometimes called Ojo de Agua, is a small cenote on a tiny sliver of the island. A neat boardwalk leads to the cenote, where you can swim and explore.

Isla de la Pasion is an uninhabited island with pristine, beautiful beaches. You might even get to see large flocks of Holbox flamingos off the beach.

Isla Pajaros is the last stop on the island tour. You can’t walk on the island itself, but you can walk to a viewing point with good views of it. Isla Pajaros is a bird sanctuary–dozens of bird species fly around and call it home.

I recommend this Boat Tour of Three Islands in Holbox with Transportation. It’s a well-established tour with excellent guides and affordable prices.

The tour includes transportation to and from your hotel, the boat trip, a life vest, and trip insurance.

5. Visit Yalahau Cenote

Yalahau Cenote is one of the main stops on the Three-Island Tour, but you can also visit this magical cenote on your own. If you can’t make the full island tour, you should plan a visit to the cenote.

Yalahau Cenote is located on the mainland in the Yum Balam Nature Reserve. You can only reach it by boat from Holbox Island, but you don’t necessarily have to take the entire three-island tour.

Instead, you can book a private boat to take you and your group to the cenote or a separate trip to the Holbox cenote.

6. Go Kayaking Through the Mangroves

A kayaking tour through the mangrove forests is one of the most unique and fun things to do on Holbox.

You’ll want to go to the mangroves with a guide, as renting a kayak and finding the best spots on your own can be complicated.

Most tours leave early in the morning when you’ll have the best chance of seeing local critters, birds, or maybe even crocodiles.

This Kayak Mangroves Sunrise Experience is the way to go if you’re okay with early mornings and want to witness one of the most magical sunrises you’ll see within the mangroves.

The tour lasts around 3 hours, and includes fruit and water, equipment, and private transportation.

7. Go Standup Paddleboarding

If you feel like doing something other than kayaking through the mangroves, the next best option is to rent a paddleboard for a few hours and explore the open ocean right off Holbox’s shore.

Several beach vendors have paddleboards ready for rent throughout Playa Holbox’s main stretch. You can also rent paddleboards directly from your hotel.

If you go paddling, I recommend watching the weather and planning accordingly.

It can get pretty windy, especially during the summer months and rainy seasons. It’s also best to go earlier in the morning, as things tend to be calmer.

8. Try the Signature Lobster Pizza

Lobster pizza is the most famous local cuisine around Holbox. While it might sound strange, you must try it while on the island!

Lobster pizza is exactly as described: a gourmet pizza with fresh lobster served on top. Most places also have other seasonings and toppings, like caramelized onions, but the lobster is what steals the show.

You’ll find Holbox restaurants all over the island advertising lobster pizza, but Roots Restaurant is the most well-known pizza joint with excellent lobster pizza.

9. Visit Punta Mosquito

Punta Mosquito is one of the most beautiful parts of Isla Holbox, although few people make the journey because it is somewhat off the beaten path.

Punta Mosquito is a long stretch of sandbank surrounded by crystal-clear waters. It’s a great spot to spend a sunny afternoon wading through the shallow water and soaking up the sun.

Punta Mosquito is in the northernmost part of Holbox. It’s about 1.8 miles (3 km) from downtown Holbox. You can walk, bicycle, or take a golf cart taxi.

Once you get to the northernmost tip of Holbox, walk through the ocean to the sandbank and enjoy. It’s best to go during low tide when the water is calm and shallow.

10. Relax at Playa Punta Cocos

Playa Punta Cocos is a secluded beach on the west side of Holbox Island Mexico. Compared to the main beach, it truly feels like a piece of paradise disconnected from the rest of the world.

There aren’t any large hotels, resorts, or even beach bars. It’s much more low-key, making it the perfect place to escape for a few hours.

Punta Cocos is about a half hour walk from the center square on Holbox. You can walk, bicycle, or take a golf cart taxi.

You should practice common sense; for example, don’t leave your belongings unattended at the beach while you swim or walk around. Holbox is generally a safe place, but there are still petty crimes here and there.

11. Watch the Sunset

The sunsets on Holbox are absolutely incredible and shouldn’t be missed! 

There are few tourist areas in the Riviera Maya where you can watch a good sunset, considering neither Cancun or Playa del Carmen have an over-the-ocean sunset.

But since Holbox is on the northern side of the Yucatan peninsula, you can actually watch the sunset over the water. Tourists and locals flock to the beach before sunset to enjoy the views.

The entire beach is covered with viewers, so make sure you get there earlier to get a good spot. The beach bars face their chairs towards the sunset and you can grab a drink and watch the sun go down.

12. Snap a Pic in Front of the Holbox Letters

Did you really go to Holbox if you didn’t take a picture in front of the Holbox letters?!

Almost all major tourist destinations in Mexico have self-titled, colorful signs either at the entrance to the town or in a prominent tourist spot.

Holbox has its own set of colorful letters located in the center of the main beach near the small pier. It’s a simple activity, but it’s a must.

The Holbox letters recently underwent a total overhaul, so they are now brand new and even more colorful and vibrant than before.

13. Rent Bicycles or a Golf Cart

While you can walk almost everywhere around Holbox, driving a golf cart or riding a bicycle is really fun. Not only can you get around faster, but you’ll have a blast navigating the unpaved roads and exploring hidden spots.

There are many bicycle and golf cart rentals all around the island, most of them in downtown Holbox.

A bike rental usually costs around $200-$250 pesos (~$10-$12 USD) per day. And golf cart rentals are generally around $1,700 pesos (~$82 USD) for a half-day or $2,200 pesos (~$106 USD) for 24 hours.

If renting a bicycle or golf cart, pay attention to the weather and road conditions. Golf carts in Holbox are usually built for the mud and dirt roads, but bicycles can be more tricky if there’s been rain.

14. Go Souvenir Shopping

Holbox has such a unique vibe and great artisan products, so it’s the perfect place for souvenir shopping.

One of the best places to find local handicrafts is on the main street in downtown Holbox. The street parallels the beach and is lined with local shops, restaurants, bars, hostels, and hotels.

You’ll find products ranging from frugal to luxurious. Most items have a “boho” vibe, matching the island’s energy and laid-back atmosphere.

Support locals by purchasing souvenirs from local shops and authentic handmade crafts.

15. Have a Drink at a Rooftop Bar

If you want the best view of the ocean, head to one of the many rooftop bars in Holbox.

Enjoy a cocktail, soak in the sunset, or sip on a tropical drink in the sun.

I recommend Hotel Villas Tiburon, located in the Hotel Zone on Holbox Island. The rooftop bar area has a small pool, a lively bar, and great views.

Another great spot is Mittoz Holbox, located right on the beach in a beautiful spot. The rooftop pool is small but a great way to relax and meet other travelers.

And if you still want more rooftop action, check out Alma Bar. This trendy lounge has a small swimming pool and incredible views of the crystal clear waters.

16. Listen to Live Music at the Hot Corner

There’s a lot of good live music around Holbox, but the Hot Corner is the place to be.

The Hot Corner is one of the best restaurants, bars, and live music venues in downtown Holbox. It’s located on the main street, right near the beach.

The live music and buzzing energy after the sun goes down is one of the best things about it.

The Hot Corner features events throughout the week, including salsa night, ladies’ night, daily specials, and even watch parties.

17. Try Street Food and Play Pinball at Parque Central

Parque Central (Central Park) is a park in the center of downtown Holbox with a large domed amphitheater.  It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists to hang out at night.  

Surrounding the square, you’ll find street food vendors selling all kinds of local street foods like marquesitas, crepes, tacos, and more. 

Marquesitas are a popular dessert from Quintana Roo. It’s a very thin, rolled waffle, kind of like a crunchy crepe, with your choice of fillings.

There’s also a large pinball section of the park, with tons of local children and families playing one of their favorite games.

18. Try Traditional Mexican Food at the Mercado Municipal

Mercado Municipal is the largest local market on Holbox and the best place to shop for local foods and try some Mexican cuisine.

You can stroll through the market to try some traditional foods like tacos, tortas, quesadillas, empanadas, sopes and seafood dishes.

You can also buy fresh fruits or cool off with a refreshing agua fresca or freshly squeezed juice or smoothie.

The best time to visit is for lunch or breakfast as the market closes at 2:30PM. The market is open every day except for Sunday.

19. Go Horseback Riding

Have you ever dreamed of horseback riding on the beach, with a beautiful sunset behind you and lush tropical scenery around you? Well, dream no further.

A Holbox horseback riding tour on the beach is one of the best things to do in Isla Holbox Mexico, whether you’re an equestrian or not. It’s the perfect activity for solo travelers and couples looking for a romantic outing.

You can spend an hour or more with a friendly, well-cared-for horse. The horses are calm and suitable for all levels, making this a great activity even for those with varied experience.

20. Go on the Cabo Catoche Tour

Cabo Catoche is an uninhabited island that can only be reached by boat from Holbox. It is where the Gulf of Mexico ends, and the Caribbean Sea begins.

The only way to visit Cabo Catoche is with a guided boat tour, and there are many options.

I recommend this Full Day Tour with Fishing and Snorkeling from Holbox. The tour begins with a couple of hours of fishing while learning about the local fish population and other marine life.

Afterward, you’ll head to Cabo Catoche, where you’ll spend a few hours snorkeling, eating snacks, drinking cold beer, and roaming the soft, white sands of the tropical island.

You can also book this Private Boat Tour to Cabo Catoche to avoid the crowds and strangers. The tour includes lunch, fishing, and snorkeling around Cabo Catoche with your tour guide.

21. Go Deep Sea Fishing

If you want a guided tour with a little more emphasis on fishing, you can go deep-sea fishing just off the coast of Holbox.

This Private Fishing Tour from Holbox is a fantastic experience. It includes 4 hours of deep-sea fishing, during which you’ll learn all about the best fishing spots and the types of fish you’ll catch.

The tour includes all necessary fishing equipment, bottled water, and an experienced local fisherman as your guide.

22. Book a Tequila Tasting

Tequila is one of the top-selling liquors in the United States, Mexico, and all around the world. It’s a household name. But did you know that to be called tequila, it must come from one of five states in Mexico?

There’s no better place to try authentic tequila than in Mexico. While Holbox doesn’t produce tequila, it still offers a wide variety of brands and bottles.

This Tequila Tasting Experience is the best way to learn more about the popular beverage and try some of the best places on Holbox for tequila cocktails. 

The tour is organized by a local from Tequila, Mexico, where tequila initially reigned from. So they know their stuff!

23. Take Kitesurfing Lessons

Holbox is one of the best places in Mexico for kitesurfing beginners. Its long stretches of white-sand beaches, shallow waters, and good winds make it easy to learn.

And even though kitesurfing looks almost impossible for newcomers, it’s pretty easy to catch on to with the right coach and a good spot.

You can find both things with KukulKite Kite Surfing Lessons in Isla Holbox. This tour is dedicated to helping beginners and newcomers master the waters, get up on their boards, and glide through the wind as quickly as possible.

It’s the perfect way to jump into this high-adrenaline sport.

24. Partake in a Cacao Ceremony

Cacao was a significant part of Mesoamerican culture, including the Mayans and Aztecs. Mesoamericans viewed cacao as a gift from the gods and used it in many of their cultural ceremonies.

Consider a cacao ceremony if you want to learn more about the intricate and fascinating culture here.

This Kayak Experience and Cacao Ceremony is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture, experience the importance of cacao first-hand, and hear stories from the past.

25. Admire the Holbox Street Art

No matter what you do or where you stay in Holbox, you must take a second to admire the incredible street art. And this just happens to be the one of the top free things to do in Holbox.

The International Public Art Festival (IPAF) began in Holbox in 2014 and has since spread to several other countries, islands, and towns. However, the festival’s influence on local art, beautiful murals, and culture has stuck around.

Holbox’s most famous piece of street art is the portrait of a young girl on the main street. However, the Frida Kahlo mural and restaurant Colibri are also popular destinations.

Most street art around the island changes occasionally and evolves with the island. If you return to Holbox on a second trip, you might even find some new artists to admire.

26. Get a Massage

If you want to truly relax and unwind on the beautiful island, you should get a massage at one of the many luxury resorts, spas, and massage parlors.

Most hotels offer spa services–you usually don’t have to be a guest to book a service. I got a massage while staying at Villas HM Palapas del Mar and it was so relaxing!

There are several massage options around the island, on the beach, and in the town center. Massages in Holbox are pretty affordable and they’re one of the best things to do in Holbox when it rains!

27. Have a Drink at a Beach Bar

Another way to enjoy the pristine beaches with turquoise waters is to have a drink at one of the beach bars or clubs.

La Palapa is one of the best beach bars. It’s a large space under a palapa in front of the water. It’s usually quiet and peaceful, so you can kick back, sink your feet into the sand, and relax.

Mojito Beach Club is another excellent spot. It has lovely beach decor and strong drinks. It’s one of the most popular beach clubs right on the beach, and it also has a great view, good music, and friendly staff.

There are so many great things to do on Isla Holbox, Mexico.

You can relax on the beach, stay up all night to swim with magical bioluminescent plankton, or wake up early and hop on the Three-Island Tour.

I recommend plenty of time for the beach and swimming. After all, you won’t find such shallow water with calming turquoise, blue, and green hues anywhere else.

But also make time to admire the incredible street art, kayak through the mangroves, and finish the day with a relaxing massage and drink at one of the rooftop bars.

Are you ready for an unforgettable trip to Isla Holbox? Now that you know what to do in Isla Holbox, you’ll have a great time with all the fun Holbox island activities and natural wonders!